Overview:

adelphi GmbH, a leading think tank and policy consultancy, partnered with the Maldives government to tackle the pressing issue of plastic pollution in this island nation. Recognizing the urgent need for sustainable waste management solutions, adelphi embarked on a mission to introduce the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to the Maldives. Their main local partner, Zero Waste Maldives, is already leading the way locally in cutting down on solid waste production and promoting eco-friendly practices. Through extensive research, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy, adelphi helped pave the way for the development of an EPR scheme tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of the Maldives.   

The Challenge:

The Maldives faces a critical plastic pollution challenge due to its limited land area, reliance on imports, and growing tourism industry. The country's waste management infrastructure is underdeveloped, leading to open dumping and burning of waste, which threatens marine ecosystems and human health.   

The Solution:

adelphi helped develop an EPR scheme that makes producers and importers responsible for the proper management of plastic waste throughout its lifecycle. This approach incentivizes waste reduction, promotes recycling, and supports the development of much-needed waste management infrastructure.   

Why this matters:

This innovation is crucial for protecting the Maldives' fragile marine environment, which is vital for tourism, fisheries, and overall economic and social well-being. It directly supports SDG 14 (Life Below Water), particularly target 14.1 on reducing marine pollution, by promoting sustainable waste management practices. The project contributes to a healthier ocean and a more resilient future for the Maldives. The lessons learned and experiences gained while developing the EPR scheme are also valuable for finding solutions for other SIDS facing similar challenges in solid waste and plastic waste management.  

Results & impact:

The project successfully advocated for incorporating Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) concepts into the Maldives' Waste Management Act. It also provided the Ministry of Environment with a roadmap for implementing an EPR framework. It raised awareness among 120 key stakeholders — including government officials, businesses, and local communities—about the benefits and practical application of EPR. The project's efforts have laid the groundwork for a cleaner and healthier marine environment in the Maldives.   

Replicate & scale up:

Key factors for replication include strong government partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and a phased approach to EPR implementation. The project's experiences and outputs, including an EPR manual and implementation guide, offer valuable resources for other Small Island Developing States (SIDS) facing similar challenges. Interested individuals, communities, organizations, and investors can access these resources and collaborate with adelphi to adapt and implement EPR schemes in their own contexts.   

Lessons learned:

Persistence and flexibility are essential when working with government counterparts and navigating complex policy landscapes. Building strong relationships with local stakeholders and adapting to unforeseen challenges are crucial for successful project implementation.